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MARSEILLE - Fiji are on a mission at the rugby World Cup but it has got nothing to do with winning the tournament.
They may still do that after their stunning victory over Wales last weekend thrust them the quarterfinals for the first time in 20 years, but the Fijian team have another goal.
They hope to bring peace and prosperity to their troubled homeland, which has been torn by political unrest and economic problems for two decades.
The tiny South Pacific Island nation is under military rule after a bloodless coup in December last year, the fourth since 1987, the same year Fiji last made the World Cup quarter-finals.
Rugby has always been a unifying force in Fiji and the team's unexpected progression at this year's tournament has provided a rare chance to celebrate.
"We spoke about this before we came here, about how important it is try and unify the people," Fiji coach Ilie Tabua said on Thursday when the team visited the Notre-Dame de la Garde in Marseille.
"We're having a lot of problems and difficulties because our biggest industry is tourism and having countries like Australia and New Zealand issuing travel warnings doesn't help.
"A lot of people are losing their jobs and it creates a lot of chaos."
Tabua said the players had no grand illusions about their performances providing a lasting solution to the problems back at home but they were hopeful their efforts might make some difference.
"We just hope that this will just help people have another view of the country and want to come over and help the country," he said.
"This is more than just a football game, for us it's something for the country.
"We have had a lot of problems but if we don't come and sit together at the table and move the country forward we're going to have the same problem as The Solomons and the same problems as the Tongans and it's erupting all around us.
"Just maybe, this is the thing that can unify us."
Fiji captain Mosese Rauluni said the team had been moved by the response back home and were using it as motivation to go further.
"With the turmoil in the country at the moment, it's the one thing at the moment that makes people smile," he said.
"All the streets are covered in Fiji flags and everyone's wearing white and black jerseys. I know they'll support us whether we win or lose.
"These wins aren't just for us. They mean a lot more than people think."
Fiji face South Africa in their quarterfinal on Sunday (2am Monday NZtime) in Marseille.
- REUTERS
